Mental Health Therapist Near Me: Finding Individual Therapy
Finding the right therapist that matches your needs can be challenging. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a therapist may include the cost, distance, the therapist’s specialty, and your therapy preferences.
Choosing the best therapist for individual therapy and improved mental health
When you start searching for a therapist in your area, whether in a rural area or near popular cities, consider the following steps.
How to find a therapist near you for mental health support
Individuals attend therapy for various purposes, whether they hope to work with a therapist to address life stressors, mental health concerns, and distressing symptoms or to improve their lives overall. Someone in a mental health crisis will need a different type of care than someone who is looking for help with stress management. Consider why you want to attend therapy and what you’re looking for in a therapist. It may be helpful to create a list of non-negotiable factors, such as:
- Distance
- Specialty
- Experience
- Cost
- Insurance coverage
When you meet with your therapist, they may ask you what you want to discuss and work on during your mental health journey. If you’re experiencing a mental health condition, such as depression, you might bring a list of symptoms that have been bothering you.
Cognitive behavioral therapy with a mental health therapist
Many therapists specialize in a particular area of mental health, whether it’s depression, anxiety, trauma disorders, or a unique type of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or addiction counseling. Other therapists may utilize a client-centered approach. Therapists with experience in treating conditions like bipolar disorder and substance abuse may also offer specific forms of care tailored to the unique needs of their clients. Other types of mental health professionals include licensed marriage and family therapists, substance use counselors, and clinical psychologists.
Identifying your symptoms can be helpful when deciding on potential therapists. You may also choose to research effective types of therapy for your condition or symptoms. One standard treatment approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), often referred to as talk therapy with a therapist.
Once you’ve nailed down your needs, you can start searching for therapists in your area to begin your mental health journey. Try to personalize your search by including the specialty you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for a licensed clinical social worker with clinical social work experience, you can search for “licensed clinical social worker near me in (city name).” If you’re looking for a therapist to provide individual therapy rather than group sessions, be sure to include that in your query. If you need help addressing relationship challenges, you may consider couples therapy, family counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
How to find and contact a therapist near me for individual therapy
When you’re just starting your search, you may need to contact several therapists before you find the right therapist. If you’re looking for therapists through a search engine, write down the phone numbers and emails of the therapists that stick out to you.
Once you’ve found options, reach out through email or by phone. If you email a therapist, you might try a greeting like this:
Hello,
I am interested in attending therapy for my depressive symptoms. I noticed you specialize in CBT for depression. I want to start counseling to learn new techniques for managing my symptoms. I have [Insurance Company Name] for insurance and was wondering if you are available and accept my insurance plan.
Kindly,
(Your Name)
Reaching out through email can show therapists you are ready to get started. You may not hear back from some but keep trying. Someone could be a match.
How to find a therapist close by for mental health counseling
When trying to find therapists or psychiatrists near you, it can feel like there are no community mental health options in your town. At times, searching for therapists who offer comprehensive care can be challenging. You might come across blocks, such as living in a small city or not having insurance. In these cases, your pool of potential therapists could be smaller. Try the following tips to widen your therapy possibilities.
Online search
Some websites have a therapist search tool that can assist you in finding a therapist in your area. The American Psychological Association (APA) has a therapist finder tool that can connect you with practicing licensed therapists and help you check if a therapist is licensed.
Searching for therapists on a mapping service like Google Maps may yield some results. The National Register of Health Service Psychologists also has an online search tool for finding therapists licensed to practice.
Medical referral
If you’re having difficulty finding a therapist online, your primary care physician may be able to refer you to a therapist or psychologist. To get a medical referral for therapy, you may need to discuss any mental illness or distressing symptoms with your doctor. Ask them if they know of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor in your area who takes your insurance plan.
Word of mouth
If you know someone in your personal life who attends therapy, ask them if they have any therapist recommendations. You might not want to meet with a therapist who works with your friends or family. However, you could learn about a clinical director or someone’s past therapist who helped them with their mental well-being.
Different types of therapists
There are multiple types of practicing therapists and psychology professionals who offer therapy services for mental wellness. If you’re looking for a therapist, you may choose between the following to find an option that fits your needs:
Counselors
Counselors generally have a master’s degree in psychology. They may be labeled as:
- LPC: Licensed Practicing Counselor, or Licensed Professional Counselor
- NCC: Nationally Certified Counselor
- LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- LCP: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- RPT: Registered Child Therapist
- LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Addiction Therapist
- Behavioral Therapist
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
A licensed counselor or therapist must meet city, state, and country-wide licensure requirements, such as a certain number of hours in a clinical setting and a passing score on a licensure exam.
Social workers
Social workers can be divided into two categories (LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Workers or LSW: Licensed Social Workers) often utilizing the acronyms LSW or LCSW. They are mental health care professionals who may practice social work with social groups in community settings. They also have extensive experience providing quality care to under-represented communities, treatment centers, human welfare organizations, non-profits, or as therapists in a counseling setting.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who attend medical school, like other doctors. They may have completed a medical residency before practicing. Often, psychiatrists offer clients medication management, psychological testing, and general psychological counseling for various mental health issues. A psychiatric nurse practitioner is another type of mental health professional similar to a psychiatrist, but they differ in their scope of practice and education.
Psychologists
Psychologists may work in a research-based setting, in a laboratory, or as medical doctors in some cases (such as neuropsychology). They may, at times, prescribe medication or perform diagnostic testing on clients, but this is rare.
Behavioral specialists
Behavioral specialists may or may not be licensed counselors. They might work in professional environments like group settings, schools, or community centers. They often have a bachelor's degree in behavioral science, and, depending on the state, a Master's degree as well. Behaviorists may work to inspire others to improve wanted behaviors through behavioral therapy techniques.
School or work counselors
In some cases, counselors will work in an educational or professional setting, such as a school or workplace. They can provide a safe space for career counseling, self-esteem issues, education advice, personal growth, or work with students or employees to gain knowledge when needed. They may also help individuals navigate challenging life transitions and improve their mental well-being.
Alternative resources to find a therapist for individual support
If you’re struggling to find a therapist due to life transitions or other barriers, there are a few options you can consider.
Meet with a medical provider
If you cannot find a psychologist or therapist due to your location, insurance, or cost barriers, you may be able to meet with your primary care physician for some types of treatment. Although general medical doctors are not licensed to provide therapy, they are often able to prescribe mental healthcare medication for common conditions, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia.
Additionally, a psychiatrist in your area may benefit you if you cannot find a therapist. Psychiatrists can provide therapy, medication, and psychological testing. Although many psychiatrists do not provide therapy services, there may be one in your area that does.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified therapist or medical professional.
Find a sliding scale provider
In some cases, finances can be a barrier to finding a counselor who can offer comprehensive care. If this is the case, search by location for “sliding scale therapy.” Sliding scale often means you can pay what you can afford. In some cases, they may be able to lower your co-pay or work with your insurance company to reduce any financial burden.
See a school or work counselor
If you are a university or college student, your school may have counseling resources at a low or affordable cost. Although it may not be ideal for long-term support, a school counselor can be an option if you cannot find a counselor traditionally.
Often, companies may include brief counseling for their employees, such as a counseling phone line. If you are struggling, you can call this line or make an appointment with a company therapist. Although you might not be able to meet back-to-back with a company counselor, it can be a beneficial option for short-term stressors.
Commute to an office
You may consider commuting to counseling or therapy if you live in a rural area. If there’s a large city within an hour of your home, look into therapists in that area. If you do not have a vehicle, cannot commute, or don't come up with options in your search for the right therapist, you might consider trying online therapy.
Try online counseling if a therapist is not available
Online counseling is an option for those who face barriers to in-person counseling, such as cost, distance, or availability. Online counseling can be much more affordable, often costing around $65-$90 a session instead of the country average of $100-$200 a session.
Research on online mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy found that it was as effective as in-person counseling in treating conditions like anxiety and depression. Online counseling may be a beneficial choice if you’re struggling to find an in-person therapist.
You can sign up to see a therapist through online counseling in a few minutes through platforms like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples therapy. Finding a therapist online may be more convenient because BetterHelp allows you to search for a therapist through our online directory of some of the best therapists, trained in a wide range of therapeutic techniques, with a variety of credentials including licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors.
Takeaway
When looking for the right therapist near you, outline your expectations, try an online search, or seek a professional referral. If you face barriers while searching for therapists, you might consider alternative options, such as online therapy. Counseling can be a beneficial tool for various mental health conditions, symptoms, and challenges. Seeking support for any reason can be a brave first step, and there are resources to help you along the way.
How do you know if BetterHelp therapists are right for you?
BetterHelp therapists may be right for you if you want to improve your quality of life. When any factor interferes with your happiness or prevents you from achieving your goals, online therapists may be able to help. BetterHelp has therapists who specialize in specific issues such as stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting, depression, addictions, eating, sleeping, trauma, anger, family conflicts, LGBT matters, grief, religion, self-esteem, and more.
How do I know what kind of therapy I need?
Finding the right therapist depends on your specific needs and goals from therapy. To figure out what kind of therapist you would benefit from seeing, you may want to make a list of therapeutic goals or search online for therapy modalities that you are interested in trying. From there, you can ask your therapist in consultation if they can provide the services and therapeutic techniques you’re seeking. Below are a few different kinds of therapists to explore:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
- Addiction Therapists
- Behavioral Therapists
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapists
How do psychologists and counselors differ?
The difference between a psychologist and a therapist is that a psychologist has a doctorate-level degree, like a Ph.D. or PsyD. In contrast, a therapist has a minimum of a master’s degree.
What is the best way to choose the right counselor?
Therapists and counselors will likely provide similar services, and the most important part of selecting a counselor or therapist may be whether they offer the services you’re seeking. You may also want to ensure you experience a sense of reliability with your therapist and believe that your sessions are a safe space to open up. If you are looking for local help, consider searching for a therapist in your area through online directories.
Should I see a psychologist or a psychiatrist near me?
Therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists can help clients who are experiencing mental health concerns. Since psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in mental illness and can prescribe medication, some people who are considering trying medication for their mental health may want to see a psychiatrist. A therapist can offer talk therapy.
How often should you go to therapy?
There is no set number of times per week or month that someone should see their therapist or counselor. Everyone’s situation differs, so work out a schedule with your therapist that works well for you and the situations you’ll be addressing in therapy.
How can I tell if I need therapy?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained for a prolonged period, and your feelings are negatively affecting your relationships and day-to-day life, it might be time to see a therapist.
How do I tell my therapist I'm struggling?
Let your therapist know you're struggling by being honest about how you're feeling. The right therapist can provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can open up about your emotions.
Is it okay to not see a therapist?
It's completely okay to decide not to see a therapist. However, if you’re healing from a traumatic event or experiencing mental health issues that affect your daily life, it may be beneficial to pursue therapy. Therapists can also help you navigate big life changes or major challenges in your relationships. For example, if you and your partner are going through relationship challenges that you can’t resolve on your own, seeking marriage and family counseling or couples therapy may be the best solution for your mental and emotional well-being.
How can I find the best therapist who specializes in mental health therapy?
To find the best therapist, you can begin by asking for recommendations from my friends and family members or checking local online directories for mental health professionals. Websites like Psychology Today or TherapyDen let you filter therapists by specialties, location, and approach, helping find the right match.
What factors should I consider when choosing a therapist?
When choosing the right therapist, it's essential to consider their areas of expertise, such as anxiety or trauma, and whether their therapeutic approach feels right for you. Their availability and location are also important factors to consider.
Other factors to consider when trying to find a suitable therapist can include if they have the proper training for your concerns, if they have a preferred theoretical orientation, and what types of therapy they specialize in—common types include dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Other logistical factors can also be important when considering a prospective therapist, such as if they offer individual, couples, or group therapy, if they operate their own independent practice, if they offer low-cost therapy options, if they accept insurance (for those who have health insurance), and whether they conduct sessions through video, phone calls, or in-person therapy. Finally, for some people, various other personal considerations may be relevant when sorting through available therapists, such as gender, religious background, cultural background, and sexual orientation.
Individual therapists may take different approaches, but typically, in the first meeting, most therapists will ask new clients a range of personal questions to get a sense of what concerns they are dealing with and what they hope to get out of therapy. This is also a chance for you to get to know this new therapist and determine if they seem like a good fit for your needs. Starting therapy can be nerve-wracking sometimes, and it is important for you to feel comfortable talking with your therapist openly about what is going on in your life.
How can I tell if I need a therapist?
Anyone can seek therapy at any time to support their well-being, and you do not need to be experiencing a mental health condition in order to seek mental health services. Determining if you should meet with a therapist is a very personal matter, but some signs that therapy would be helpful include if you are experiencing chronic stress, conflicts in your social circle, communication difficulties, or mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm.
Do I need counseling or therapy?
Determining whether you would benefit from counseling or therapy—and what type of professional would best suit your needs—depends on your individual concerns and preferences. For instance, if you are experiencing conflict with a family member, marriage and family therapists might be most helpful. If you are preparing for marriage, premarital counseling might be most appropriate. And if you are coping with an ongoing mental health condition, individual therapy may be best.
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